2026-27 WY All-State
INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ AUDITION Materials

We are using a new format for our instrumental audition materials. After discussion and review by the WJE Executive Board, WJE has decided to utilize a set of jazz audition etudes Dr. Eric Richards was commissioned to write by the Nebraska Music Educators Association.  He is sharing these etudes at no cost to WJE/WMEA.

There are two etudes in alternating styles for each year, much like the All-state Band Etudes. In addition to assessing performance aptitude, each etude was also written as a traditional “teaching etude” intended to improve a specific jazz performance technique. Each etude contains a notated passage and an optional improvisation passage. While the improvisation is optional, it is highly recommended that the student attempt to improvise on the audition recording. Rest assured that any recorded improvisations will be assessed with a “student-friendly” perspective!

This year’s etudes are designated as SET A and are comprised of:

  • ETUDE A1 - SHUFFLE
  • ETUDE A2 - FUNK


Each audition etude package has three components for the student:

  1. A PDF of the etude
  2. A recorded example of the etude
  3. A playalong track for practice and the audition

Each student should submit TWO MP3s (with the exception of Lead Trumpet [1 etudes] &

Auxiliary Percussion/Vibes [1 etude]):

  • 1 for ETUDE A1 - SHUFFLE
  • 1 for ETUDE A2 - FUNK


The instrumentation for each etude is:

  • ETUDE A1 - SHUFFLE
    • Alto Sax
    • Tenor Sax
    • Baritone Sax
    • Lead Trumpet (optional)*
      • *Trumpet auditionees wishing to be considered for this chair should also record the Lead Trumpet A1 - SHUFFLE etude for a total of three submitted recordings.
    • Trumpet
    • Tenor Trombone
    • Bass Trombone
    • Guitar
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • Vibes
    • Drum Set

  • ETUDE A2 - FUNK
    • Alto Sax
    • Tenor Sax
    • Baritone Sax
    • Trumpet
    • Tenor Trombone
    • Bass Trombone
    • Guitar
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • Vibes
    • Drum Set
    • Auxiliary Percussion (Congas)

Below are download links for a Zipped folder of materials for all etudes for each instrument. 

*If you are having trouble downloading the files, try using google chrome as your browser.  
Clicking these buttons will automatically send the files to your DOWNLOADS folder:

The 2027 Wyoming All-State Vocal Jazz auditions are due by 11:59 pm on November 20th. ​

​Thanks in advance for your mentoring of our students preparing for this exciting event!

Please reach out if I may be of any help or clarification.

Aemalemalo Seui

Laramie County School District #1

East High Band